Terell Smith Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Bears vs Packers game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Aug 24, 2025
Placed on injured reserve
The Bears placed Smith (knee) on injured reserve Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Smith was carted off the field during the Bears' second preseason game against the Bills after suffering a knee injury. Now that he's on IR, he'll be forced to miss the entire 2025 season unless he reaches an injury settlement, at which point he would be free to sign with another team once fully healthy. Smith appeared in 14 regular-season games for Chicago in 2024 and logged 19 tackles (14 solo) and four pass defenses (one interception).
Aug 17, 2025
Carted off Sunday
Smith (knee) was carted off the field during second quarter of Sunday's preseason contest against the Bills, Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith sustained what appeared to be a non-contact left knee injury, and he required a cart to exit the game. The cornerback was surrounded by teammates prior to his departure, exiting the contest while noticeably emotional. Smith could be set for a prolonged absence, but more information will likely come in the near future to provide clarity to the situation.
Aug 10, 2025
Unlikely to return Sunday
Smith is doubtful to return to Sunday's preseason game against the Dolphins due to a groin injury, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith will finish Sunday's game with two solo tackles, assuming he does not return. The 2023 fifth-rounder is battling for a bigger role in the Bears' secondary for the upcoming season. He finished the 2024 regular season with 19 tackles (14 solo) and four pass defenses (one interception).
Jan 6, 2025
Part-time role in 2024
Smith tallied two stops in the Bears' 24-22 win over the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Smith served as the No. 4 cornerback for the Bears, and since the starters had relatively good health, Smith ended the season playing 19 percent of the snaps, resulting in 19 tackles. The veteran in under contract with the Bears through 2026.
Nov 8, 2024
Cleared to play
Smith (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Patriots and is expected to play.
ANALYSIS
Smith has played just 20 defensive snaps this season and another 35 on special teams. He has just one solo tackle and one pass breakup.
Nov 3, 2024
Done for day
Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game versus the Cardinals, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith went down with an ankle injury in the first half and he'll now be done for the day. Jaylon Jones will continue to see an uptick in usage at cornerback against Arizona.
Nov 3, 2024
Questionable to return
Smith (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Smith exited the game in the first half with an ankle injury, leaving his status for the rest of the game uncertain. In Smith's absence, Jaylon Jones is a candidate to see an increase in workload at cornerback.
Oct 24, 2024
Full practice Thursday
Smith (hip) was a full participant at the Bears' practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Smith appears to be set to return to the field following Chicago's bye week. The cornerback has missed three games in a row while nursing a hip injury and he'll likely return to his role as a primary reserve option behind Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson (calf) in Week 8 versus Washington.
Oct 8, 2024
Won't be playing in London
Smith (hip) won't travel with the Bears to London for their Week 6 game against the Jaguars, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith has sat out of Chicago's last two games as he's tended to a hip issue, and now he'll miss his third contest in a row as he continues to recover. He's played 23 total snaps so far this season, 22 of which came on special teams.
Oct 4, 2024
Ruled out for Week 5
Smith (hip) has been Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Smith didn't practice all week after missing the Bears' Week 4 win over the Rams due to a hip injury, so it's no surprise that he won't play in Sunday's contest. With Smith sidelined for another week, expect Jaylon Jones to continue seeing increased work as a rotational outside cornerback.
Sep 27, 2024
Won't play vs. Rams
Smith (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Smith injured his hip against the Colts in Week 3. He will sit out Sunday after failing to practice in any capacity throughout the week. Smith has primarily served on special teams this season, though Jaylon Jones would be the next man up at corner should anything happen to starters Jaylon Johnson or Tyrique Stevenson.
Sep 22, 2024
Doubtful to return
Smith (hip) is doubtful to return to Sunday's game at Indianapolis.
ANALYSIS
Smith left the Bears' contest in Week 3 with a hip issue, and now it looks like he probably will have to miss the rest of the game. Jaylon Jones could benefit from Smith's absence in terms of playing time.
Jun 6, 2024
Back for minicamp
Smith (quadriceps) was spotted working out during Chicago's minicamp Thursday, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The 24-year-old cornerback left the Bears' 2023 season finale with a quadriceps injury, but it now seems as if he's moved past the issue. Smith had an up-and-down rookie campaign, recording 49 total tackles, including three tackles for loss, while also defending six passes in 12 games. He's expected to compete for another depth role in Chicago's secondary as the offseason progresses.
Jan 13, 2024
Plays 365 snaps in rookie season
Smith played 12 games, resulting in 49 tackles and a forced fumble, during his first season with the Bears.
ANALYSIS
After barely playing in the first two weeks of the season, Smith took on a full-time role at cornerback in Weeks 3 through 5, but he then became ill with mononucleosis and missed four games. Upon his return, his playing time was inconsistent. Signed through 2026, Smith will try to earn a starting role in his second season with Chicago.
Jan 7, 2024
Exits game with quadriceps injury
Smith (quadriceps) is Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune to return to Sunday's game against the Packers, Brad reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith sustained the injury in the third quarter. With Jaylon Johnson (shoulder) inactive ahead of Sunday's game, Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Jones are candidates to see increased work at corner.
Nov 15, 2023
Gets in full practice Wednesday
Smith (illness) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
All signs are pointing toward Smith returning from a five-game absence in Week 11. When he suits back up, he'll likely step back into a rotational role in the Bears' defensive backfield.
Nov 8, 2023
Remains out
Smith (illness) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Smith was considered limited during practice Wednesday, but the rookie cornerback will need more time before he returns to the field. The Minnesota product has been out since Week 6 after being diagnosed with mononucleosis.
Nov 3, 2023
Missing Week 9
Smith (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Smith will miss his fourth consecutive game as he continues to recover from mononucleosis, which he contracted in mid-October. The 24-year-old cornerback's next chance to suit up will come Thursday, Nov. 9 against the Panthers.
Oct 27, 2023
Out again Week 8
Smith (illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Chargers, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith is set to miss his third straight contest after being diagnosed with mononucleosis in mid-October. His absence has coincided with Kyler Gordon returning from the IR, which has softened the blow for Chicago. Smith's next chance to suit up will be Sunday, Nov. 5 in New Orleans.
Oct 20, 2023
Won't play vs. Las Vegas
Smith (illness) is listed as out for Sunday's game versus the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
As was anticipated after he was diagnosed with mononucleosis, Smith won't be healthy enough to suit up in Week 7. Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson should see the lion's share of snaps at corner for Chicago on Sunday.
Oct 16, 2023
To miss 3-4 weeks
Smith has mononucleosis and is out 3-4 weeks, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
After sitting out in Week 6, it now looks like Smith's earliest chance to return could be in Week 10 versus Carolina. Jaylon Jones might be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Smith's extended absence in terms of playing time.
Oct 13, 2023
Won't play vs. Vikings
Smith (illness) is listed as out for Sunday's game versus Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Smith was a full participant at practice Thursday, but he missed practice Friday due to an illness and will have to sit out in Week 6. If 2022 second-rounder Kyler Gordon (hand) is activated from Chicago's injured reserve list ahead of Sunday's game, he'd project as a probable replacement for Smith.
Apr 29, 2023
Secondary depth in Chicago
The Bears selected Smith in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 165th overall.
ANALYSIS
Smith had an interesting college career with Minnesota, as he immediately contributed as a freshman before seemingly falling out of favor. He reemerged as a senior and broke up seven passes while also picking off two passes. He has good size and athleticism -- he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and stands 6-foot-1, 204 pounds -- but will need to improve his consistency to carve out a significant role as a pro.
Apr 29, 2023
Secondary depth in Chicago
The Bears selected Smith in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 165th overall.
ANALYSIS
Smith had an interesting college career with Minnesota, as he immediately contributed as a freshman before seemingly falling out of favor. He reemerged as a senior and broke up seven passes while also picking off two passes. He has good size and athleticism -- he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and stands 6-foot-1, 204 pounds -- but will need to improve his consistency to carve out a significant role as a pro.